1. Group Problem Solving & Decision Making

2. Group Decision Making Two effectiveness dimensions: – –Attaining organizational and/or group goals – –Satisfying needs of group members Decision-making groups are only one of many types of groups Spectrum of roles for decision-making groups

3. Group Decision Approaches Leader-Centered Democratic Consensus Fastest decisions-------------------------Slowest decisions Lowest decision quality--------------------Highest quality Lowest member commitment------Highest commitment

4. Group Decision Making Advantages: –Greater pool of knowledge –Different perspectives –Greater comprehension –Increased acceptance –Training ground Disadvantages: –Social pressure –Domination by a vocal few –Logrolling –Goal displacement –“Groupthink”

5. Groupthink Illusion of invulnerability Dismiss opposing ideas Moralize Stereotype the opposition Pressure members to conform Self-censor deviations Share illusion of unanimity, without testing Self-appointed mind-guards

6. Group Effectiveness Commitment via involvement Conflict & how it’s handled Creativity Consensus—producing willingness to support the group decision

7. Effective Groups Participative leadership, sharing of responsibility Flexible, effective patterns of communication Surface and deal with important issues Collaborative rather than competitive No hidden agendas Trust

8. Group Problem

9. Supplies

10. Assignment Identify as many ways as you can think of in 5 minutes to get the ball out of the pipe without damaging the ball, the tube, or the floor.

11. Some Consensus Guidelines Goal is for group to make a high quality decision Prepare Balance advocacy and inquiry Avoid majority voting, horse-trading, compromising, etc. Manage differences productively

12. Varying Degrees of Consensus Can you live with this? Is this OK with you? Can you support this? Does this please you (even excite you)?

13. Earthquake Exercise Follow handout: –Things most important to do during & immediately after a major earthquake –First, individually –Then, consensus in groups Process the way your group worked –What was helpful –What could be improved next time